Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop dance improvisation techniques using both music and non-music stimuli. Dancers could be performing improvisation sequences in classes, auditions, rehearsals or live performances.
At this level, improvisations would be simple in nature and could be in a variety of dance styles, such as tap, jazz, contemporary, street and cultural forms of dance. Work is usually undertaken under supervision, though some autonomy and judgement can be expected.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Clarify improvisation requirements | 1.1 Identify concepts involved in improvised dance performances 1.2 Evaluate artistic and creative aspects of different styles of dance and dance sequences 1.3 Confirm requirements for short improvised sequences 1.4 Use dance terminology correctly in discussions |
2. Prepare the body for dance | 2.1 Perform basic warm-up and warm-down activities 2.2 Adhere to injury-prevention techniques 2.3 Take common health issues for performers into account when devising own physical conditioning program |
3. Practise dance improvisation using various stimuli | 3.1 Identify typical movement and travel associated with a range of stimuli, including music and non-music sources 3.2 Identify natural body response to stimuli using extended dance technique 3.3 Develop a stimulus-specific movement during improvisation that can be repeated as a motif 3.4 Communicate mood and emotion of stimuli through improvisation 3.5 Demonstrate an expressive interpretation of stimuli through dance |
4. Perform improvised sequence | 4.1 Set movement boundaries for individual improvisation pieces within a set timeframe that reflects appropriate level of dance technique 4.2 Rehearse and perform extended improvised sequence adhering to set boundaries 4.3 Evaluate improvised work against criteria set, and seek feedback from relevant personnel 4.4 Apply feedback to future performances |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform an improvised dance sequence with established movement boundaries
work collaboratively when developing improvisations
respond to constructive feedback on own performance
use terminology associated with chosen dance style correctly.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements the individual must:
describe characteristics of chosen dance styles and techniques for improvisation within those styles
describe techniques for expression through dance
discuss issues and challenges that arise in the context of developing improvisation skills and suggest ways of meeting those challenges
describe safety procedures as they apply to performing improvisations that use staging effects, elements and equipment as stimuli.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to relevant stimuli and appropriate dance performance areas or spaces with suitable flooring.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 4.3, 4.4 | Seeks feedback and accepts guidance from others Critically analyses own performance |
Oral communication | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 4.3 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1, 2.2, 4.1 | Follows accepted industry practices in relation to safe dance practices and injury-prevention strategies Understands own level of dance technique and applies to improvisations |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.3 | Discusses aspects of dance improvisation techniques and performances with colleagues and teachers Uses improvised dance movements to communicate a personal response to stimuli to spectators |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 | Recognises opportunities to develop and apply creative approaches to improvisation Adopts a methodical, disciplined and positive approach to dance classes, rehearsals and performances Identifies and applies a range of ways of expressing emotion and creating mood through dance movements |
Sectors
Performing arts – dance